Oslo, with a population of about half a million people, is Norwa's capital as well as its largest city. In addition to being the seat of the government, Oslo is the business and cultural capital of the nation and the home of the Nobel Peace Prize. Oslo is located as far north as St. Petersburg and Anchorage and even though the city is situated so far north, its climate is temperate in the autumn and warm in summer. The winters last from 3 to 5 months with very good skiing conditions in the hills around the city.

In the 8th century a settlement was built at the top of the Oslo Fjord. This settlement grew rapidly during Viking times. Agriculture, trade and shipbuilding were important commercial activities and Oslo is sometimes refered to as the "Viking Capital". The actual city of Oslo was founded long after the town had been developed by the Viikings. Recent archeological findings states that the city was founded around the year 1000.

Approximately half of the Oslo`s population died during the Black Death epidemic in 1348. Following this epidemic Norway became reduced to a province of Denmark.

Oslo was completely destroyed by fire in 1624. King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway moved Oslo from what is today called the Old Town and rebuilt it near the Akershus Fortress. A completely new city was created and named Christiania.

Norway was united with Sweden in 1814. This caused strong economic and political growth of Christiania. The dissolution of the union with Sweden occured in 1905 and the original name of Oslo was re-instated in 1925.

You need at last three days to explore the parks, museums and churches in this beautiful city. Hours can be spent strolling along Karl Johans Gate (the main street) to the Royal Palace and perusing the Edvard Munch Museum. The works of various other Norwegian painters can be viewed at the National Gallery. Other attractions in Oslo include the Vigeland Museum in Frogner Park, and the Vikingship Museum at Bygdoy with a full-sized ship from the medeival age.

Sights

Oslo Mini Cruise

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This 50 min. tour by boat gives an interesting view of the harbor and the city, the ancient fortress of Akershus, and picturesque islands in the inner part of the Oslofjord. Departure daily on the hour.

Oslo Fjord Cruise

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For tourists wishing to see more of the summer life of Oslo, its swimming and sailing, this 2-hour tour through a maze of islands and narrow sounds is recommended. Refreshments available onboard.

Oslo Evening Fjord Cruise Including Dinner

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First 2-hour fjord cruise, then ashore at restaurant Lanternen to enjoy dinner: steak/shellfish/salmon.

Grand Tour of Oslo - by Boat and Coach

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An ideal combination of fjord cruise and sightseeing by coach, including a stop for lunch. Visits to the Polar ship Fram, The Kon Tiki raft, The Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking ships, the Vigeland sculpture park and the Holmenkollen ski jump.

Oslo Fjord Cruise With Lunch

Oslo Sightseeing - by Coach

An approximately 3-hour conducted tour by coach, including visits to the Vigeland sculpture park, the Holmenkollen ski jump, the Viking ships and the Kon-Tiki raft.

Norway in a Nutshell, Oslo to Bergen

Norway in a nutshell® takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery. You can experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flåm Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow Naeroyfjord (now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List) and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheim Canyon.

This is a combination train, boat and bus tour, all done in one day !

Departure from Oslo at 8.11am by train.

Norway in a Nutshell, Oslo to Oslo

Norway in a nutshell® takes you through some of Norway's most beautiful fjord scenery. You can experience the scenic Bergen Railway, the breathtaking Flåm Railway, the Aurlandsfjord, the narrow Naeroyfjord (now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List) and the steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva.

This is a combina train, boat and bus tour all done in one day !

Departure from Oslo at 6.35am.

Nobel Peace Center

The Nobel Peace Center will reflect humanitys best efforts to achieve peace in all its forms. We present the laureates and their work, Alfred Nobel and the Nobel system, and we are a meeting place for discussion and thoughts around war, peace and conflict resolution.

The Peace Center will combine exhibitions and film presentations with digital communication and interactive installations, and will also serve as an arena for a variety of events.

Scheduled events will include lectures and open meetings, seminars and discussions, and a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

The Center seeks to promote popular interest in issues relating to war, peace and conflict resolution - in Norway as well as abroad - and will employ powerful tools to tell stories and highlight topics. In keeping with the spirit of Alfred Nobel's last will and testament, its mission is to shed light on small as well as large-scale conflicts.

Other facilities include a café and a shop.

The Royal Palace

The royal residence at the top of Karl Johans gate. Built 1824-48, open to the public in the summer (tickets must be ordered in advance).The Palace Park contains statues, small lakes and is a popular recreation area. Changing of the guard every day at 1.30 pm.